What better way to celebrate your romance than by exploring the world’s most iconic city of love, Paris, France? Uniworld River Cruises offers deluxe, bespoke, all-inclusive adventures that are perfect for couples and newlyweds. On its eight-day Paris and Normandy voyage, aboard the S.S Joie de Vivre, you’ll cruise in the lap of luxury.
Picture gliding along the Seine, the Eiffel Tower shimmering in the distance, as champagne is sabred on deck to toast the journey ahead. From the moment you arrive at Paris’s Charles de Gaulle Airport, the pampering hospitality begins. After being warmly welcomed by a Uniworld representative, you’ll be transferred to the ship.
True to its name, the S.S. Joie de Vivre is a floating boutique hotel offering sumptuous accommodations, elevated dining and expertly curated excursions. Renowned for exceptional service and attention to detail, it has a dedicated staff of 59 to meet the needs of just 128 guests. Better yet, the Paris and Normandy cruise allows you to explore multiple regions without the hassle of unpacking more than once. When you’re on board, the pampering encompasses everything from 24-hour room service and farm-to-table cuisine to unlimited beverages, including fine wines and premium spirits.
Offering a truly immersive French experience, the S.S. Joie de Vivre is exquisitely styled with inspiration drawn from Parisian design. Stunning artworks grace the ship’s walls, while handcrafted furnishings and refined décor add to the chic ambience. Elegantly appointed suites and staterooms provide the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication, with plush bedding, marble bathrooms and private balconies. There are also plenty of add-ons—champagne delivered to your suite, chocolates, flowers and couples massages—that can make your honeymoon extra dreamy.
But the pièce de resistance is the dining. The S.S. Joie de Vivre delivers an exceptional culinary experience, emphasizing locally sourced ingredients. Picture fresh regional fruits, artisanal cheeses from nearby farms and oysters harvested from local coastal waters. It’s a true gastronomic indulgence, celebrating the finest flavours of France.
Bespoke French Experiences
Embarking from Paris, the ship glides through the enchanting Normandy countryside with stops in La Roche Guyon, Rouen and Caudebec-en-Caux—each place offering its own blend of history, charm and local flavour. Most of the excursions are included in the fare, but the Masterpiece Collection’s exclusive experiences are available at an additional cost and they’re ideal for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Imagine strolling hand-in-hand along the Seine, pausing at a charming café for a warm baguette and glass of wine or discovering new destinations together on guided cycling and hiking excursions. When you’re craving a slower pace, the onboard spa offers the ideal retreat to unwind and recharge.
The Paris and Normandy voyage is a journey through art, history and elegance. You’ll be transported to the serene water gardens that inspired Monet’s masterpieces and walk in the footsteps of royalty through the opulent Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles. A retro sidecar adventure through Montmartre offers a unique ride past Paris’s iconic landmarks, like the Arc de Triomphe, while you’re passing over the legendary cobblestones that define the charm of French streets. And no journey is complete without a visit to the awe-inspiring Mont Saint-Michel, rising like a dream from the tidal flats, an unforgettable highlight in a voyage rich with wonder. uniworld.com/ca
Must-do experiences:
Monet’s Garden at Giverney
Camembert Cheese Farm
Mont Saint Michel – Wonder of the Western World
Versailles Palace
Louvre Museum
Paris City Tour
Retro Sidecar Monmartre Discovery
Brigitte Hasbron is owner of The Food Tease (www.thefoodtease.ca), a combined culinary and travel blog that highlights the best that food, wine and travel have to offer.
